Episode 187
“There’s been a shift in the Mongol movements. As expected, it seems they’ve dispatched a detachment to the south.”
“Just as the Sultan predicted. It was inevitable, given the limited routes they could take.”
“His Majesty has entrusted all matters to you, Apostle. Do as you see fit. I, too, support His Majesty’s decision.”
“I’m grateful. It couldn’t have been an easy choice.”
The strategy inevitably risks civilian casualties, and if mishandled, it could lead to a catastrophe spreading across the land. Without absolute trust in me, they wouldn’t dare attempt this. It speaks volumes about their hatred for the Mongols, but it also shows how much Saladin and Al-Adil trust me.
“Preparations are complete. We’ve been running tests for months, so there shouldn’t be any danger.”
“Incredible… Are you saying we won’t suffer any losses? For over a thousand years, countless lives have been lost. How is this possible? Was it not as severe in Europe?”
“Europe likely suffered even more.”
“Then this is a groundbreaking discovery! Regardless of the Mongol defeat, Apostle, your name will be etched in history for this achievement!”
I’ve heard similar sentiments from the Assassins. It seems everyone in this era feels the same way.
“Let’s hope it works. The key is timing. If we miss it, we might not inflict the damage we intend.”
“That’s my concern too. The ones heading south are just a detachment, right? To truly devastate the Mongols, we need to hold them off until they regroup. But is that as easy as it sounds?”
“We’ve entrusted reliable people with the task. Even if we can’t use the detachment as a host, the Mongols will be terrified. They might retreat before things get worse.”
Unless they’re completely immune, like the Manchus, the Mongols have already suffered and have their own countermeasures. We need to strike before they realize what’s happening. Timing is crucial.
The damage and resentment the Islamic world has suffered at the hands of the Mongols are too great to let them off with just a scare. Al-Adil, for instance, is half-mad with rage over the loss of his son.
For my influence in the Islamic world to grow, the Mongols must suffer a severe blow. Of course, I need to ensure I have an escape route for my own image.
“Frankly, the biggest issue is if the Mongols only scout the south without pillaging or massacring. Our plan would be ineffective.”
“That’s unlikely. A cat passing by fish would be more plausible…”
“Even in war, using such methods is unsettling. But if the Mongols refrain from their atrocities, it would be a disaster we could avoid. In that sense, it’s their own doing.”
“Exactly, Apostle. Isn’t there a similar story in the scriptures? If Pharaoh had listened to Moses and obeyed God, he could have avoided the plagues. But he didn’t. The Mongols are the same! They deserve their fate, with no room for sympathy or mercy.”
Al-Adil sighed deeply, shaking his head.
“It’s sad to admit that this desire stems from vengeance, not faith. We won’t be unscathed, and sacrifices are inevitable. But if we let them go now, I fear a disaster far worse than today will come.”
“I understand. It’s been a concern of mine as well.”
The theory that the Black Death, which nearly wiped out the Middle Ages, was accelerated by the Mongol invasions is well-known in academic circles. Recent studies suggest it originated along the Silk Road, but many still argue the Mongols sped up its spread.
So, we’ve been on edge, preparing for a potential outbreak. If only we could develop antibiotics, but knowing of their existence doesn’t mean I can create them.
Fortunately, there are no signs yet, and if we can stop the Mongols from advancing further, we might buy more time. The Mongols must not set foot in Europe for now.
Even if we win this war, an outbreak of the Black Death could lead to accusations against me. People might claim that false prophets brought divine wrath, and who knows how many would believe it?
It’s better to take preventive measures myself.
“Once the timing is right, we must strike swiftly. Please convey my words to the Sultan.”
“Don’t worry. Even without His Majesty’s approval, I can mobilize the entire army at your command.”
“Reassuring. Let’s be ready to move as soon as we hear from the south.”
Everything now hinges on Nasr and Muhammad II’s performance, but they’ve deceived the Khwarazm Sultan before, so I’m not worried. Experience counts, after all.
A master of battle and one of Genghis Khan’s most trusted generals. A warrior who played a crucial role in subduing the Tatars and Naimans, and was feared as the scourge of Western Xia.
Kublai, known for his bravery comparable to Jebe and Jelme, was diligently carrying out Genghis Khan’s orders.
“Kill them all! Leave no one alive, regardless of age or gender!”
“General! Do we really have to kill even the women?”
“Do I need to spell it out? Of course, there are exceptions! But if you find anyone truly remarkable, don’t forget to bring them to me.”
“Understood!”
Ah, what a satisfying feeling. It’s as if a long-standing grudge is finally being lifted.
“Screams and cries echo all around, but when have they ever sounded so refreshing?”
This is pillaging! This is massacre! This is the Mongol Empire!
“Burn it all down so even the cowards hiding can see! Let it all out!”
Genghis Khan’s orders were simple and clear: Take as much as you can, kill as many as you can. If there’s no response, keep going and take more, kill more.
By ravaging like this, the other side will either react or traitors willing to cooperate will emerge. The Great Khan plans to use these variables to break the stalemate.
After razing several villages, Kublai’s army, eager to start another day of plunder, was approached by a few wagons loaded with food and water.
“General! Some people claiming to be from the Shia Liberation Front have come. They insist on speaking with you.”
“Shia Liberation Front? Shia sounds familiar.”
“They’re one of the Islamic factions. The ones we crushed in Baghdad are Sunni, and their arch-enemies are the Shia.”
“I see. Rebels, then? They’ve brought gifts, so I suppose I can hear them out. Bring them in with an interpreter.”
To govern vast territories, it’s as important to utilize local forces as it is to crush hostile ones. Genghis Khan was relatively lenient with those who knew their place and submitted promptly.
Of course, there were always those who pretended to surrender only to betray later, so blind trust was out of the question. If any suspicion arose during the conversation, it was best to eliminate them to avoid any lingering doubts.
Since the visitors were few, they could be killed at any time if necessary. With his men already positioned outside, Kublai greeted the visitors with a seemingly generous smile.
“Thank you for bringing gifts. So, where do our guests come from?”
“We are Shia believers seeking liberation from the increasing oppression of the Ayyubids. If you’re unfamiliar with the situation, we can explain…”
“No need, I’ve heard enough. So, the Shia Liberation Front, is it? A group opposed to the Ayyubids on doctrinal grounds, looking to overthrow them?”
“Precisely. Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Nasr, the operations officer serving the head of the Liberation Front.”
The man who introduced himself as Nasr bowed deeply in greeting.
He was a man who struck a perfect balance—neither too obsequious nor too proud, yet clearly humble.
“Alright, Nasr. You must have reached out after hearing about our raids on the nearby villages. We don’t have much time, so could you quickly tell us why you’re here?”
“It’s simple. We want to support the general’s efforts to expand his influence.”
“And why is that?”
“Because the more your army succeeds, the weaker Ayyub’s hold becomes.”
“So, you’re saying you want us to win this war?”
Words that sound too good to be true often hide a trap.
Despite Kublai’s suspicious gaze, Nasr smiled and nodded, unfazed.
“Yes.”
“I don’t understand. Didn’t Islam officially recognize that Marshal as an apostle? I thought there was no distinction between Sunni and Shia in that regard.”
“Of course, we don’t deny Marshal’s sanctity. But we believe the outcome of this war is a separate matter. The apostle is currently blinded by the deceitful Sultan Saladin’s sweet talk, unable to make sound judgments. Wouldn’t it be better if this war led to Saladin’s downfall, helping the apostle regain his focus?”
If they lose the war, there won’t be any focus to regain—just ruin. What nonsense.
Yet, in a way, it made sense.
Those who openly admit their intentions without pretense often aren’t lying.
Especially with zealots like these, their thought processes differ so much from the average person that trying to understand them from a normal perspective is bound to cause a headache.
It’s best to keep things as simple as possible.
“Let’s hear about your support plan first, and then we’ll decide. Ultimately, what do you want?”
“While these raids might irritate the enemy, they won’t be decisive. We propose to help the Mongol army strike Medina. However, you must promise not to destroy it.”
Kublai knew the significance of Medina to Islam.
The second holiest city after Mecca.
An attack on such a place by the Mongol army would be a severe blow to Saladin.
It’s certainly not a bad proposal.
Assuming it’s not a trap.
“From what you’ve said so far, it’s hard to tell… We’ll need to discuss this in more detail. Can you come with us?”
“Of course! It would be an honor to meet the Great Khan and present our case directly.”
At the mention of Genghis Khan, Nasr prostrated himself so low his nose nearly touched the ground.
On the surface, everything seemed fine, but caution was still necessary.
Once they brought him to the main camp and interrogated him thoroughly, they’d know if he was hiding anything.
Or they could pretend to accept his offer and just take the supplies.
Either way, there was no downside for them.
As Kublai called for a messenger to send to the Great Khan, a satisfied smile crept onto his lips.